Abstract:
Candida albicans remains an infection of the very old,
the very young and the medically compromised patient.
It not only affects the oral cavity but C. albicans biofilms
form on most prosthetic devices and indwelling catheters
with life-threatening consequences. The behaviour of
this organism in biofilm formation has received much
research interest. Understanding disease processes
and the importance of prevention and disruption of C.
albicans biofilms lie at the heart of successful treatment
of such infections. Of equal importance is that patients
also understand the rationale behind the treatment
which will encourage adherence to the prescribed rigour.
Experience in the South African context, together with
the latest scientific evidence regarding the behaviour
of C. albicans, is shared with the objective of enabling
treatment leading to the effective and efficient resolution
of the infection, but also to describe measures appropriate
to prevent invasion by the organism.
